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New York state AG has rolled out a recent reporting form urging citizens to submit visual evidence of federal immigration enforcement across the state. This action comes just a shortly after a high-profile ICE raid shook NYC's Chinatown, triggering widespread demonstrations.

US Citizens Held In Enforcement Action

A congressional representative announced during a Wednesday press conference that four citizens were detained and held for "nearly 24 hours" following the enforcement action. Rallies erupted in NYC on consecutive evenings.

"Every New Yorker has the right to live without fear," the attorney general declared in a statement.

"Anyone who observed and captured federal operations recently, I encourage you to provide that footage with us. We are dedicated to examining these reports and evaluating any wrongdoings."

Portal Features

The portal includes options to submit visual evidence of the raid, as well as a field to note geographic details. Prior to sending, submitters must tick a checkbox that states that "the attorney general might employ any materials, images, or footage in a public document, including in a legal proceeding or government document."

Details of the Chinatown Raid

The Manhattan operation, which witnesses say involved dozens of ICE personnel, occurred in a well-known area of NYC where counterfeit purses, items, goods and other goods are commonly traded in large quantities – often to visitors.

Recordings of the incident depict several masked and armed officers securing and holding a person, and forcing aside onlookers. Crowds of locals followed the personnel along the roads. An armored truck was also seen rolling through the urban roads.

Political Response

In a midweek briefing held with the New York immigrant rights coalition, Representative Goldman, a Democrat, said that four US citizens were arrested by immigration for about 24 hours and that there were "no conditions where US citizens should be detained for no reason." He clarified the citizens were let go on the following day with no charges filed.

"The goal is evident here. It is not to take criminals off the street," Goldman remarked. "This represents a military-style operation to incite tension. It is purely a justification to incite violence for the government to utilize the military to halt conflict that they have created."

Broad Criticism

Anger over the federal action quickly spread – every political contenders condemned the incident, as did NY's governor.

"Repeatedly, the current administration selects oppressive displays that generate terror, rather than security. It must stop," one mayoral candidate wrote.

New York City community groups spoke out too.

"ICE raided Chinatown in NYC with military-style vehicles, covered personnel and riot gear to focus on local sellers working to survive. This operation had no relation to public safety and everything to do with frightening communities and areas," remarked the leader of a major immigrant coalition.

Official Guidelines

ICE policy forbids the arrest of American nationals and the organization has claimed it refrains from take into custody US citizens. However, independent reporting has found that numerous US citizens have been taken illegally by ICE during the period of the existing leadership.

Current Situation

Enforcement actions have been rising in frequency in the state and across the US recently.

An October operation in midtown Manhattan was the first known raid on an immigrant shelter of the current administration. Demonstrations targeting federal operations are commonplace along with accusations of violence and abusive practices.

Recently, a submission provided by advocacy organizations stated medical neglect of expectant mothers in ICE facilities.